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ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Annapolis lawmakers are introducing a bill that would allow for the collection of money from unspent gift cards to put into the state treasury.

Nationally, gift cards are a $59 billion industry. Experts estimate that 6 percent of gift cards go unspent in Maryland. The bill would allow the state to claim 70 percent of that unused money and use the cash to fund education.

"To me, this is a no-brainer. If you haven't used your gift card for four years, you are not going to use it, and why can't we share? The bill states we keep 70 percent of it, and retailers keep 30 percent," said Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk, D-Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties.

Thirty-two states have a similar law. Some of them keep 100 percent of the unspent gift card money, 11 News reporter David Collins said. But state retailers, grocers and the hospitality industry oppose the measure.

"The money belongs to the person. It doesn't belong to the state. It is sort of an indirect taxation -- this bill. This was money that was given to somebody, and if they choose not to spend it in a certain time period, it's still their money," said lobbyist Bruce Bereano.

International consulting firm Towergroup noted in a report that retailers don't generate revenue from gift cards until they are used or declared dormant. However, the money used to purchase the cards generates interest for the business.

The report cited Best Buy as an example. It said the store moved $39 million from liability to income in 2005 due to unredeemed gift cards.

Critics of the legislation are contending that as the bill is written, Maryland retailers wouldn't even get a 30 percent stake. The legal term is called escheat, meaning handing over property to the state.

Shouldn't that money belong to the retailer? Or if they're going to divy it out...why not to the public at large in a tax rebate?

Gun Control: The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her panty hose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound - Unknown

"To me, this is a no-brainer. If you haven't used your gift card for four years, you are not going to use it, and why can't we share?

Yup, proposing such an idea is a no brainer, congratulations, you've taken the first step in recovery, admitting you have a problem. If you hurry, you may get through the other 11 steps in time to have a shot at re election.

Romans 6:18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Differences between Obama and God: God's plan to save us is actually written down for people to read. Rush Limbaugh.